Research Validates Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery in Reducing Diabetes Medication

Bariatric surgery has been confirmed as a safe and effective intervention for significant weight loss and the reduction of diabetes medication requirements, according to a comprehensive study conducted by Monash University and the University of Sydney. The findings, published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery, draw upon data gathered from a substantial cohort of patients who underwent bariatric procedures in Australia between February 28, 2012, and December 31, 2021.

The study analyzed a total of 122,567 patients who completed 134,625 bariatric surgeries. The results revealed that five years after surgery, patients who underwent one-anastomosis gastric bypass experienced an impressive total body weight loss of 34.88%. Those who had roux-en-Y gastric bypass lost 30.73%, while sleeve gastrectomy patients lost 26.5%. Adjustable gastric banding resulted in a weight loss of 17.6%.

Prior to surgery, 13.6% of participants were receiving treatment for diabetes. Among those who were followed up post-surgery, 71.6% of patients no longer required diabetes medication after one year. This percentage decreased to 61% for those followed up after five years.

Safety was a primary concern, with the study reporting that 3.6% of patients experienced adverse events within 90 days of surgery, such as unplanned readmissions, intensive care admissions, reoperations, or even fatalities. This rate indicates that the procedures are on par with other minimally invasive surgeries, such as gallbladder removal.

The lead author of the study, who is also the Chair of the Department of Surgery at Monash University, remarked that this is the first large-scale community-based study confirming the safety of bariatric surgery, aligning with previous findings from individual centers and smaller trials. The results provide reassurance to patients, their families, and healthcare payers regarding the benefits and risks associated with the surgery.

The study emphasizes that bariatric surgery not only has the potential to enhance individual health outcomes but also offers significant advantages in terms of reducing healthcare costs associated with diabetes management. The lead researcher highlighted the importance of assessing candidates for surgery based on their overall health, quality of life, and the impact of excess weight.

Notably, the low rate of adverse events associated with bariatric surgery is especially encouraging, as obesity is often linked with increased risks in surgical procedures. This finding suggests that bariatric surgery can provide a viable option for individuals struggling with obesity to achieve substantial weight loss and improve their overall health.

The research utilized data from the Australia and New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Registry, which systematically tracks the safety and outcomes of bariatric surgeries, including weight loss and improvements in health indicators such as diabetes medication requirements. The registry commenced its pilot phase in 2012, with a national rollout in Australia starting in 2014.

Future analyses will delve deeper into the effectiveness of revisional surgeries and the healthcare patterns of individuals with both obesity and diabetes. Additionally, patient-reported outcomes are expected to be included in the registry beginning in 2025, further enhancing the robustness of the data collected.